Meet Zhang Ziyu, China's 7-foot-3 basketball prodigy, who shot a perfect 9-for-9 in her international debut at the FIBA Under-18 Women’s Asia Cup, sparking viral comparisons to Yao Ming.

Zhang Ziyu, a towering 17-year-old sensation, turned heads and broke the internet with her flawless debut at the FIBA Under-18 Women’s Asia Cup. Scoring 19 points in just 13 minutes, she showcased an astonishing blend of skill and height, drawing comparisons to Yao Ming and stirring up chatter about her future in the WNBA. With 36 more points against New Zealand and a viral highlight reel, Zhang is not just a rising star; she's already a social media phenomenon.

Using her towering frame to full advantage, Zhang Ziyu grabbed seven rebounds, dished out two assists, snatched two steals, and blocked three shots in her debut game against Indonesia. This display helped propel China to a dominating 109-50 victory. It's not every day that a player shoots a perfect 9-for-9, but then again, it's not every day you come across a 7-foot-3 teenager with a penchant for perfection.

Zhang's viral fame was further cemented when FIBA released a highlight video of her inaugural game. The clip quickly made the rounds on social media, racking up views and sparking even more intense interest in her budding career. Comparisons with NBA legends began to fly, the most persistent being to Yao Ming, another towering figure who once held the basketball world in awe.

While one phenomenal game could be considered an outlier, Zhang Ziyu made it clear she was anything but. In the following match against New Zealand, she shot a searing 80% from the field, scoring a staggering 36 points. She also collected 13 rebounds and recorded 4 blocks, guiding China to a comfortable 90-68 win. Clearly, Zhang isn't just tall; she's tremendously skilled.

Zhang's impressive performances have ignited speculation about her potential future in the WNBA. Given her shooting precision, defensive prowess, and, of course, her height, it's no wonder she's being talked about as a future star in the league. A 7-foot-3 giant who isn't just confined to the paint but can also contribute in various aspects of the game is a tantalizing prospect.

Her defensive capabilities, in particular, have been noted for being exceptional. At her height, one might assume Zhang's primary role would be to simply block shots and grab rebounds. However, she has shown a versatile defensive acumen, effectively nullifying smaller, quicker players with surprising agility and awareness. Clearly, Zhang is not just any tall player; she's a whole defensive package wrapped up in 7-foot-3 of pure talent.

It's not just her defense that impresses but also her offensive execution. Shooting at such a high percentage indicates a player who knows how to pick her spots and execute with efficiency. Her ability to shoot 80% in a game suggests her height gives her a considerable advantage, but it's her skill that maximizes this benefit. Just imagine trying to block a shot from someone who’s practically living in the clouds!

Listed officially at 7-foot-3 by FIBA, Zhang Ziyu is merely an inch shorter than Victor Wembanyama, the towering French prodigy who has basketball scouts salivating worldwide. Zhang, too, seems on her way to becoming a household name, especially if she continues her upward trajectory. And if she keeps up her jaw-dropping performances, the NBA might even ask, 'Who is Victor Wembanyama again?'

Although only 17, the expectations placed on Zhang are sky-high. She is already predicted to be the standout player in China's next game against Japan, a match where fans and pundits alike will look to see if she can keep up her remarkable level of performance. If her previous games are any indicator, Zhang has the potential to deliver another impressive performance. Guess there's a lot riding on those 7-foot-3 shoulders!

Her rise to stardom serves as a reminder that basketball's future may be taller and more skilled than previously imagined. For now, Zhang Ziyu is content dominating her peers at the Under-18 level, but one can't help but daydream about what she might accomplish in a professional setting. Until that day comes, keep an eye on this 7-foot-3 teen; she's dunking her way into the future.